Girls In The Kitchen At West Town Tavern
By Hanna Aronovich in Food on May 2, 2006 1:46PM
If there’s anything Chicagoist loves, it’s giving the nod to girls with talent. And, we also love good causes. So imagine our delight with an event that does both. Enter: the 10th Annual Girl Food Dinner. 
Held last Sunday at West Town Tavern (1329 W. Chicago), the Girl Food Dinner raised funds for the Greater Chicago Food Depository. The full price of the $125 ticket went to the cause, and we’re happy to report, the event sold out.
This year’s chefs included Maneet Chauhan (Vermilion Restaurant), Beverly Gannon (Hali’imaile General Store), Stephanie Izard (Scylla Restaurant), Jackie Shen (Red Light Restaurant), Susan Goss (West Town Tavern) and Ina Pinkney (Ina’s Restaurant).
Until next year’s fundraiser rolls around, Chicagoist recommends stopping by West Town Tavern for a cozy, sophisticated meal. In a historic building featuring the original tin ceiling, large windows, linen drapes, a dark oak bar, exposed brick and hardwood floors, Drew and Susan Goss operate this contemporary eatery. 
The menu highlights classic, but inventive dishes. Start with the flatbread with mushrooms, leeks, white truffle oil and mozzarella, or the gnocchi with asparagus, soybeans, pesto, cream and parmesan. Or opt for the corn and crab chowder or organic field greens salad. Fairly reasonable, appetizers range from $6 to $ 9. Main entrees such as duck confit, pepper-crusted beef tenderloin, sea scallops and pasta with turkey meatballs range from $17 to $20. Save room for dessert. Pick from bourbon pecan pie, campfire s’mores and lemon chess pie, among others. And, if you prefer an after dinner drink, West Town Tavern offers an extensive list of dessert wines, flavored liquers, brandies and grappa.
Reservations are accepted, but West Town Tavern is relaxed enough to stop by for a glass of wine while waiting for a table. And if the check exceeds your pocketbook limit, go ahead and cook it up at home. Not keeping its recipes under wraps, West Town Tavern’s favorite dishes are available online and in a forthcoming cookbook. Whether dining in or out, Chicagoist thinks West Town Tavern is a delicious choice.